Figures of Speech Served Fresh

Figure of Speech:  isocolon (i-so-CO-lon), the figure of even clauses.

Hundreds of thousands of people protested legislation that would turn illegal immigrants into felons.  One of the most common signs used an isocolon ("equal member"), which puts similar clauses side by side.

The today-tomorrow isocolon ("Today, Hollywood; tomorrow, the world!") is especially powerful.  The figure’s rhythm creates a subliminal momentum that makes a promise — or threat — seem inevitable.

Snappy Answer:  "Actually, tomorrow you work.  That’s why you’re still here."

Other rhythmic figures.